THE Abellana Police Station 2 has identified the suspects responsible for shooting dead an ex-convict in Sitio Lower Kawayan, Barangay Sambag 2, around 1:30 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025.
The victim was identified as Macgied Lavistre Villamala, 32, who had recently been released from Abuyog Penal Farm after serving time for illegal drug-related charges.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the motive behind the killing was allegedly a debt from illegal drugs, based on the results of their investigation.
Six suspects were reportedly caught on CCTV camera demanding that the victim turn over his motorcycle as payment for his drug debt.
However, the victim refused, which allegedly led to the shooting that caused his death.
“Ang purpose sa pag sulod sa mga suspects is to obtain payment again for previous proceeds from the illegal drugs and agig bayad, mao unta tong pag kuha sa motorcycle, but then wala man misugot ang biktima, the reason why naay panagbangi nga mi result no sa pagpamusil,” said Macatangay.
(The purpose of the suspects’ entry was to collect payment for previous drug transactions, and the motorcycle was supposed to be taken as payment -- but when the victim refused, a confrontation occurred that resulted in the shooting.)
Villamala had just recently returned home after being released from the Abuyog Penal Farm, but shortly after his return, individuals were already reportedly looking for him.
Macatangay clarified that the incident in B. Aranas and the one in Sambag 2, Cebu City, are not connected, even though both victims were former inmates from Abuyog Penal Farm.
The Abellana Police Station continues to gather evidence against the identified suspects in preparation for filing charges in court. (AYB)